The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation was established in 2003 to help enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions you experience only at the Kansas State Fair and on the Kansas State Fairgrounds year-round.
Vision
To inspire excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities.
Mission
To further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To help, assist, promote, support, maintain, enhance, endow and advance the interests of the Kansas State Fair. To encourage education of the public about the Kansas State Fair and its purpose and activities.
Why does the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation exist?
The Kansas State Fair is a self-supporting fee-fund state agency and therefore receives very, very limited state funding. Despite the fair’s long and successful history, there is a need for new funds to improve and renovate aging facilities, build new facilities and to provide education programming while retaining the Kansas State Fair traditions. The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, since its inception, has supported multiple projects on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. From 2005 to 2021 the Foundation raised and invested approximately $1.5M in projects, upgrades, new equipment, building improvements and renovations. These projects range widely, but all were investment in the Kansas State Fair to help beautify, renovate and preserve the fairgrounds as well as to support programs and activities of the Fair. The Foundation has often provided the resources and funds needed for those things that often go unnoticed.A few examples of Foundation funded projects include:
- Lair Steckline Interactive Water Fountain
- Historic Lighting Repair & refurbishing in center lawn area
- Legacy Benches throughout the fairgrounds
- Established the Wall of Honor in the Prairie Pavilion
- Big fans in the livestock barns and Prairie Pavilion
- Walkway improvements – concrete and curbs
- Birthing Center – pens and gates
- KSF Information Center signage
- Lair White House – built and furnished
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors is a working and dedicated board made up of people who love the Kansas State Fair and willingly give of their time, talents, knowledge and resources for the betterment of the Kansas State Fair. From 2003 until March 2021 the Foundation activities and fundraising were predominantly Board-driven with assistance from Kansas State Fair staff. In March 2021, the Foundation hired their first full-time Executive Director to manage the activities of the Foundation.
Since then, the Foundation has grown exponentially with no signs of slowing down. In 2024 the Foundation completed the 1861 Club, an upscale event venue year-round and a climate-controlled food, beverage and entertainment venue during the Kansas State Fair.
2026 Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors and Staff
Officers
| Mary McCurry | Chairperson | Burrton |
| Richard Shank | Vice Chairperson | Hutchinson |
| Sara Evans | Secretary | Lebo |
| Steve Dillon | Treasurer | Hutchinson |
Directors
| John Evans | Lebo |
| Kate Evans | Lebo |
| Anne Hjetland | Lyons |
| West McArthur, Immediate Past Chairman | Salina |
| Matt Michener | Hutchinson |
| Abby Rayl Miller | Monument, CO |
| Shane Prill | Wichita |
| Brad Rayl | Buhler |
| Tawnya Roenbaugh | Wichita |
| Jamie Rutledge | Wichita |
| Anne Sankey | Andale |
| Connie Schmitt | Marquette |
Kansas State Fair Board Representatives
| Holly Lofton | KSF Board President | Lindsborg |
| Paula Landoll-Smith | KSF Board Vice President | Marysville |
| Dylan Evans | KSF Board Treasurer | Lebo |
Grand Drive Representative
| Brandon Anderson | Garden City |
Trustees Emeritus
| Molly McVicker | Hutchinson |
| Mary Alice Lair | Chanute |
Staff
| Jana Sittler | Executive Director | Hutchinson |
| James Fisher | Senior Advisor | Hutchinson |
| Maddie Burns | 1861 Club Operations Manager | Hutchinson |
| Hannah Beam | Creative Director | Hutchinson |
| Diana Ramsey | Bookkeeper | Hutchinson |
History
In 2000, Governor Bill Graves, who grew up in Salina and was a longtime supporter of the Kansas State Fair, signed legislation appropriating approximately $26 million for the enhancement of the fairgrounds. It was dubbed the Master Plan and the appropriated funds were used predominantly to build the current livestock facilities and the Prairie Pavilion. As a part of an agreement between the fair and the state of Kansas, it was suggested that Hutchinson provide funds for the updates and for continued improvement of the fairgrounds.
Soon there was talk that a foundation should be formed as a way to raise funds for the long-term support of the fair. Hence, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation was formed in 2003.
From 2003 until 2021, the Foundation was completely board run. In 2021 they took a leap and hired an Executive Director, James Fisher. This has proved to be a hugely successful move as the Foundation continues to increase revenue to support our mission to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.